Pilgrimage Attractions in Badrinath-lord vishnu's abode and one of the char dham

HERE ARE THE VARIOUS PLACES THAT ONE CAN VISIT ON HIS JOURNEY TO THE ABODE OF THE LORD

• Badrinath Temple
  On the right bank of Alaknanda lies the sacred spot perched at an altitude of 3,133 metres above the sea level. Encircled by a beautiful valley, the 15mtrs. High temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, it is built in the form of a cone with a small cupola of gilt bull and spire. Built by Adi Guru Shankaracharya - the philosopher-saint of the 8th century, the temple has been renovated several times due to damage by avalanches. Its colourful 'Singh Dwara' or the main entrance gate gives it a new, modern look. 
  
  The temple divided into three parts - the 'garbha griba' or sanctum sanctorum, the 'darshan mandap' where the rituals are conducted and the 'sabha mandap'where devotees assemble.The complex has 15 idols. Especially attractive is the one metre high image of Badrinath, finely sculpted in black stone. It represents Lord Vishnu seated in meditative pose.
• Tapt Kund
  Devotees take a holy dip in the natural thermal springs on the banks of the river Alaknanda, before entering the Badrinath Temple. The water of the kund is believed to have medicinal properties.
• Hemkund Sahib (43 kms.) 
  Near the Valley of Flowers is the holy lake Hemkund- an important pilgrimage of the Sikhs and Hindus. Along its shores is the sacred Sikh Shrine where Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Guru unified with God after prolonged mediation in his previous birth. 
  Nearby is the Lakshman Temple where Lakshman - the brother of Lord Rama performed his penance. The reflection of surrounding snow-clad peaks in its placid waters offers a scenic sight.
• Brahma Kapal
  A flat platform on the bank of river Alaknanda where Hindus perform propitiating rites for their deceased ancestors.
• Neelkanth
  A Pyramidical-shaped snowy peak towering above Badrinath, popularly known as the 'Garhwal Queen'.
• Mana Village (4 kms.) 
  Inhabited by Indo-Mangolian tribe, it is considered to be the last Indian village before Tibet on this route. Nearby are Vyas Gufa- the rock cave of saint Ved Vyas, the writer of Mahabharata; Bhim Pul- a natural bridge over the Saraswati river and Vasundhara Falls- a 122 mts. high waterfall- all forming and important part of the pilgrimage to Badrinath.
• Mata Murti Temple (3 kms.) 
  On the right bank of Alaknanda stands the temple dedicated to the mother of Sri Badrinathji.
• Alka Puri (15 kms.) 
  The source of Alaknanda river from the glacier snouts of Bhagirath- Kharak and Satopanth glaciers.
• Satopanth (25 kms.) 
  A three cornered lake with a circumference of about 1 km., situated at an elevation of 4,402 mts. above sea level. It is named ater the Hindu triad- Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh, who are believed to occupy one corner each of the lake. The trek is hazardous with dramatic landscapes. An experienced guide is advisable. Govindghat (25 kms.) 
  The confluence of Alaknanda and Lakshman Ganga rivers. It has an imposing Gurudwara named after Guru Gobind Singh.
• Joshimath (44 kms.) 
  The winter home of Shri Badrinathji is situated on the slopes above the confluence of Alaknanda and Dhauliganga. It is one of the four 'maths' established by Adi Guru Shankaracharya.
• Panch Prayag
  The five important confluences- Deoprayag, Nandprayag, Rudraprayag, Karnaprayag and Vishuprayag, form the Panch Prayag.
• Deoprayag
  The confluence of Alaknanda and Bhagirathi rivers. Ancient stone scriptures are found here. Important pilgrim spots are Shiv Temple and Raghunath Temple.
• Rudraprayag
  The confluence of Alaknanda and Mandakini rivers. The temples of Rudranath and Chamunda Devi are noteworthy.
• Nandprayag
  The confluence of Alaknanda and Mandakini rivers. The Gopalji Temple is worth a visit.
• Karnaprayag
  The confluence of Alaknanda and Pindar rivers with temples of Uma and Karna.
• Vishnuprayag
  The confluence of Alaknanda and Dhauliganga rivers. An ancient temple of Lord Vishnu stands here by a pool called Vishnu Kund.
• Srinagar
  The old capital of Garhwal, it is an important cultural and educational centre. Places to visit include Kamleshwar and Kilkeshwar temples and the Shankar Math.